The state’s 10th piece of legislation aimed at cracking down on human traffickers and buyers in the state while making Georgia “a safe haven for victims” was rolled out Wednesday by the Governor’s office, on behalf of First Lady Marty Kemp.
SB 42 was championed by First Lady Kemp. It closes a critical loophole in Georgia law and ensures traffickers face the full penalty that their crimes demand. According to information from the Governor’s office, the conduct currently prohibited by Georgia’s human trafficking statute against minors is substantially similar to the conduct prohibited by the crime of keeping a place of prostitution, pimping, and pandering against minors. Rule of lenity, a legal principle asserting courts should apply the more favorable sentence to defendants when the law is ambiguous, could lead to judges awarding lesser sentences to offenders as a result of this loophole, officials said.
Sen. Bo Hatchett, R-Cornelia, is the main sponsor on the bill. It lists 16 co-signers including Senate Pro Tem John Kennedy, R-Macon, Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, Sen. Larry Walker, R-Perry, and Sen. Jason Anavitarte, R-Dallas.
“Georgia is a national leader in the fight against human trafficking because of our work supporting survivors and shining a light on the dark corners where this crime thrives,” said First Lady Marty Kemp. “The legislation introduced today will further that mission by ensuring proper penalties for offenders and securing greater justice for their victims. It will also build on the other initiatives we’re launching this week to make Georgians more aware of the dangers of human trafficking and how to report suspected trafficking situations.”
First Lady Kemp also announced a new initiative with the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) and the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) as a part of Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month.
The new public service announcement will run at the state’s ports. With thousands of trucks entering and exiting ports facilities each day, leaders believe this PSA will help bring attention to what drivers travelling through high-traffic destinations across the state can do to help end sex trafficking in Georgia.
“Trucking companies are Georgia Ports’ frontline customers and are vital to our success,” said Georgia Ports Authority President and CEO Griff Lynch. “Their assistance is also instrumental in ending human trafficking by learning more about it and reporting any suspicious activities to law enforcement as they drive around the Peach State every day.”
“Our goal is to ensure that victims are not only identified but also provided with the essential resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives,” said CJCC Executive Director Jay Neal. “By equipping everyone with the tools to recognize the signs of human trafficking, we can work together to create a safer, more informed community.”
